Becoming a literary master starting from the story of Minglan

Chapter 304 Pregnancy and Touching Moments
"It has tarnished her reputation!"

Grandma Sheng looked at Sheng Changquan, who was being "beaten" not far away but still occasionally glancing over, and shook her head slightly, saying, "But don't worry, Quan'er!"

"If I really do make up my mind in the end, I will naturally tell you in advance."

Grandma Sheng smiled, calming Sheng Changquan down: "In that case, it'll be good for you to investigate and see if he's suitable to be your brother-in-law."

Grandma Sheng smiled and comforted Sheng Changquan, implying that he should focus on his exams and that she, as his grandmother, would take care of Minglan's affairs.

In fact, Old Madam Sheng already has two candidates in mind, but they are still under her observation and she has not made a final decision. That's why she deliberately keeps quiet to avoid rumors spreading and ruining Minglan's reputation.

Therefore, the identities of these two people are kept secret, and only the old lady herself knows who they are.

Oh, right!

Perhaps only Fang's mother knows, but others, even Minglan herself, are unaware.

As for Sheng Changquan's test, she saw it all and understood his thoughts, knowing that he was worried about his sister.

Although there was inevitably some disbelief in her intentions, Old Madam Sheng was not angry. On the contrary, she felt quite comforted.

Among the children in the family, not to mention those with biological mothers, let's just talk about Minglan and her brother.

Sheng Changquan was a man, and was naturally more adaptable to the world than Minglan, not to mention he also had the attention of his father, Sheng Hong.

Although Sheng Hong was somewhat muddle-headed in some matters, he was extremely responsible towards his offspring, especially his sons who could carry on the family line.

Therefore, with Sheng Hong around, Old Madam Sheng no longer needed to worry about Sheng Changquan.

But Minglan is not an option!
She was confined to the inner quarters of the house from birth, and without any special treatment from Sheng Hong, if it weren't for Old Madam Sheng's personal care over the years, even if she hadn't been harmed by others, she would have certainly been spoiled and had a warped personality.

There is even a high possibility that she will be framed and hastily married off, thus ruining her life.

Of course, this isn't referring to Madam Wang, because given her personality, it would be impossible.

However, don't forget that besides her, there is also a femme fatale, Lin Qinshuang, in the backyard of the Sheng family.

With her there, things might not be so certain.

After all, Madam Wang was no match for her!

On the other hand, while Old Madam Sheng is still alive, she can still protect her. But things can change unexpectedly, and misfortune can strike at any time. What will happen if she passes away one day?

Without the old lady's care, and with her father Sheng Hong being unreliable, who can Minglan rely on?

Not to mention Sheng Changbai, he and Minglan are not siblings after all, and there are some things that he may not be able to take care of at certain times.

Now, things are much better. Minglan has a younger brother, Sheng Changquan, who is quite capable and not a simple fellow. Therefore, how could Old Madam Sheng not be happy to see that Minglan and her brother have such a good relationship?

"Hehe, sister, it's done!"

After Minglan had vented for a while, Sheng Changquan finally reached out and stopped her restless little hand, smiling as he said, "Since Grandmother has said so, then I won't interfere with my sister's affairs!"

"So, sister, please calm down!"

"Don't bother arguing with me anymore!"

"OK?"

Sheng Changquan was well aware of the principle that "a great man can bend and stretch," and at this moment, he resolutely chose to admit his mistake and tried to please Minglan.

"Humph!"

Minglan was also quite tired from fighting. After venting her initial embarrassment and anger, she calmed down.

"That's okay!"

Seeing this, they simply followed Sheng Changquan's lead and accepted the situation.

"However, brother, I'm warning you!"

Minglan was a little worried, so she warned Sheng Changquan again: "From now on, you just focus on preparing for this year's autumn examination and don't worry about anything else, understand?"

When talking about "nonsense," a blush involuntarily appeared on Minglan's face.

Ultimately, she was still a young woman who hadn't married yet, and she was somewhat embarrassed when talking about her marriage.

"Yes!"

After obtaining the information he wanted, Sheng Changquan naturally complied with everything he asked for.

"Sister, don't worry!"

"Next time, if Grandmother doesn't tell me, I will never ask you about this first!"

Sheng Changquan spoke with absolute certainty, his face showing utmost sincerity.

"hehe!"

"You two children!"

Grandma Sheng shook her head helplessly and said with a smile, "Alright, children, come here quickly, I have something else to say!"

"Yes, Grandmother!"

Upon hearing Old Madam Sheng speak, Minglan immediately glared hatefully at Sheng Changquan, then quickly returned to her seat.

However, before leaving, Minglan uttered a silent threat.

"You little brat, you just wait!"

Although he didn't say it aloud, he gestured with his mouth.

"hey-hey!"

Sheng Changquan shrank his neck, but his smile was exceptionally happy.

After a while, once Minglan had sat back down, Sheng Changquan regained his composure and began to speak.

"Cough cough..."

"Grandmother, is there some news you want to tell us?"

Sheng Changquan turned to look at the old lady at the head of the table and asked seriously, "So, when should we set off back to the capital?"

Sheng Changquan felt that the news he was about to hear was probably about their return date.

After all, the time has come, and Minglan and the others can now return home.

"Yes, Not Bad!"

Grandma Sheng first gave Sheng Changquan an appreciative look, and then said, "This matter does need to be put on the agenda, but what I want to talk about is not this, but a piece of news about Bai'er."

"Second brother?"

Minglan and Sheng Changquan were immediately puzzled.

"Grandmother, what happened to my second brother?"

"Could it be that my second brother has been promoted?"

Minglan was confused at first, then suddenly realized.

“Grandmother, I remember Father wrote a letter before the New Year saying that he would find an opportunity to send my second brother to a post outside the capital.”

"Could it be that this matter has already been decided?"

Because the chaos in the court is beginning to emerge, many influential civil and military officials have been swept up in the struggle between the two princes, whether voluntarily or "forced" into it.

Even some "useless" minor officials are occasionally affected.

For example, Sheng Hong, a minor official of the fifth rank in the Ministry of Works, was such a person.

Therefore, the naturally cautious Sheng Hong, sensing that this crisis might subtly affect his own child, acted decisively. His first action was to contact Sheng Changbai's in-laws, asking Gong Haiwenyan to lend a hand and help Sheng Changbai secure a post as an official in a remote region. Such a posting would involve governing a region, allowing one to realize their ambitions and enhance their abilities, adding a brilliant chapter to their resume.

When the opportunity for promotion comes in the future, the competition will be even greater!

"Hehe, no!"

Grandma Sheng shook her head, indicating no.

"There's been no news yet about Bai'er's transfer to another post, but I imagine it will be no later than the second half of next year!"

After figuring out the time, the old lady decided not to keep them in suspense any longer and said directly, "Actually, it's your second sister-in-law who's already pregnant!"

"And I reckon it's a boy."

"Yes?"

Minglan was taken aback at first, not quite understanding, but Sheng Changquan raised an eyebrow, realizing the meaning behind Old Madam Sheng's words.

"Hmm? Then congratulations to Second Brother and Grandmother!"

Sheng Changquan immediately stood up and congratulated the old lady, saying, "Grandmother, if that's the case, then you'll soon be able to see the fourth generation of the Sheng family, your great-grandson!"

"hehe!"

Grandma Sheng nodded slightly, a genuine smile appearing on her face.

"That's right, our Sheng family has four generations living under one roof!"

"ah?"

"Does that mean I'll have to become an aunt again?"

At this moment, Minglan finally understood!
"Haha, not only you, but I'm going to be an uncle again!"

Sheng Changquan laughed heartily, moved closer to Minglan, and teased, "Sister, in a little while, there will be even more little ones in our Sheng family!"

"Humph!"

Minglan rolled her eyes at Sheng Changquan, still harboring resentment about what had happened earlier.

"grandmother!"

Minglan was also overjoyed. She turned around abruptly and rushed to Grandmother Sheng's side, leaning against her and asking, "Grandmother, when are we going to set off back?"

"I still want to see what my little nephew looks like when he's born!"

"hehe!"

Grandma Sheng was also extremely happy at this moment. For an old person, the happiest thing is that their descendants are prosperous and their family line continues.

At this time, the birth of Sheng Changbai's son was a great joy for Old Madam Sheng.

"Ming'er, it's not just you, even this old body of mine wants to see my great-grandson born with our own eyes!"

Grandma Sheng chuckled and held Minglan's little hand, saying with a smile, "However, according to your father's letter, your second sister-in-law is still in the early stages of her pregnancy. If she really gives birth, it will probably be after the autumn imperial examination."

"So, we have plenty of time to return to the capital!"

Because a pregnant woman cannot announce her pregnancy during the first month, and considering the time delays caused by the delivery of Sheng Hong's letter, Hai Chaoyun will likely not give birth until six or seven months later.

"Grandma, when are we going back?"

Minglan was still somewhat anxious and wanted to return to the capital.

After all, she was more familiar with Bianjing than Youyang, and more importantly, she missed her father.

To be honest, among the Sheng family's children, Minglan is probably the only one who truly loves Sheng Hong. As for the other children...

Just don’t mention it!

"when?"

After thinking for a moment, Grandma Sheng said, "Actually, I was thinking, why don't we just leave at the beginning of next month?"

"Before that, we still need to say goodbye and explain things to our clansmen back home!"

"After all, I don't know if I'll be able to come back again in the future!"

At this point, a sense of melancholy rose on Old Mrs. Sheng's face.

After all, the old lady is getting old, and her health is not as strong as it used to be. Moreover, Youyang is far away from Bianjing. If the old lady were to travel back and forth, it would indeed be very difficult, and there is even a high possibility that something unspeakable might happen.

"grandmother!"

Hearing Old Madam Sheng's appearance like this, Minglan felt a pang of sadness.

For a moment, her eyes felt inexplicably sore.

"grandmother!"

At this moment, Sheng Changquan strode forward and comforted Grandma Sheng, saying, "Grandmother, you don't need to worry!"

"If you ever wish to return to Youyang in the future, then let me accompany you!"

He stood beside Old Madam Sheng, then bowed and, together with Minglan, took Old Madam Sheng's hands, one on each side, and said softly, "Grandmother, actually, I have learned a lot from my teacher over the years!"

"This naturally includes a lot of experience in taking care of the elderly!"

Sheng Changquan smiled and continued, "To put it bluntly, if it weren't for my protection along the way, my teacher would probably have had a hard time getting home safely!"

"So, Grandmother, if you ever have to go on a long trip, why don't you just call your grandson and I will take care of you?"

"That way, you can go wherever you want from now on. Even if you want to travel around like your teacher, that's fine too!"

After saying this, Sheng Changquan gave Old Madam Sheng a clean smile, which appeared extremely sincere.

"Yes, Grandmother!"

"I'll go too!"

"Then, let my brother and I accompany you to travel and enjoy the scenery, and explore all of this beautiful land!"

Minglan held back her bitter tears and said softly.

"You...you two little monkeys, you're just talking nonsense!"

Even the strong-willed Old Madam Sheng was moved by the demeanor of Minglan and her brother!
She could tell that the siblings were genuinely kind to her.

Especially Minglan, her pleading little face really touched the old lady's heart!
"Good boy!"

"You are all good children!"

Overwhelmed with emotion, Old Mrs. Sheng embraced the brother and sister in front of her, her eyes welling up with tears.

Although her eldest son had passed away decades ago, she had raised Minglan for so many years that she regarded her as her own flesh and blood. Sometimes, even, the old lady Sheng would see her as a replica of herself and want her to live the life she had never lived.

For the old lady, Minglan could perhaps be described as a continuation of her life, a version of herself from another time and space.

"grandmother!"

Minglan also hugged her grandmother back, burying her head in Old Madam Sheng's arms, letting the tears well up in her eyes.

Sheng Changquan was, after all, a man, and he couldn't act like a girl like Minglan. So, he could only open his arms and hug the two people in front of him tightly.

The two most important relatives in my life.

……

(End of this chapter)